Game of Thrones

Finally! The most-awaited series in the past years is airing again. Game of Thrones bewitched the hearts and minds of countless viewers simply because it has all the rights. After leaving the fans hanging and gasping for the next scenes, the top fantasy show comes back after more than a year. But we’re not here to discuss about the show itself. We’re here to point out that GoT isn’t only entertaining, but is leadership-illuminating, too.

If you’re watching GoT, you know that the story revolves around the ‘throne’. Main characters desire to own the seat, and lead the entire kingdom. All of them possess unique leadership traits, which can lead them to victory or defeat if used well or wrongly. Among all the aspiring holders of the throne, one stands out from our view. She is Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.

Quite long for an introduction, but we all call her ‘Khaleesi’. She’s a strong, wise leader that has conquered lands. In the series, Khaleesi too has enlightened the viewers of her leadership skills. It’s a fantasy series, we know, but the lessons that you can get from it can be used in real life to be ahead the business game. Here, we are unveiling 5 must-know leadership points from the Mother of Dragons:

#1 Let the Crowd Follow You

A leader never follows the crowd; the crowd always follows him. A true leader takes his team to the path of success. Also, while walking this path, a good leader must continue to influence his people and prove them his worth time and time again. He must make his own brand that people would like to be in the future. To be able to do this, a leader must know the weakness of his competitors, and use it as an asset. He must be different from his rivals, and not do the same thing they do, otherwise he, too, is just following the crowd.

Respect must also be earned by a true leader. Not all leaders are respected as respect is the most difficult entity to obtain as a leader. Respect and admiration come when the leader has proved to his team that he is worthy of it, not because he’s famous or liked, but simply because he is an honorable leader.

#2 Focus on Your Vision

There will be dark times as leader. There will be moments of feeling lost and derailed. However, a true leader knows how to focus and keep pushing towards the goals of the organization. A leader, above all, remains adhered to the vision no matter what happens.

Daenerys, too, has experienced the roughest times in her journey. What she achieved didn’t happen easily, especially because she is a woman. Despite all of the challenges, she kept focused on reaching victory. She maintained a powerful persuasion to keep the most deserving people accompany her in her battles.

Khaleesi had all the reasons to give up. She had the chances to change path and forget her aspirations. But no, she never gave up. Daenerys always had a plan for every situation. She had backup strategies if the first one fails. She knew how to get out of every awful circumstances, and this attitude of knowing how to focus on the right escape made her successful. From being an almost slave, Daenerys became the queen of her people.

#3 Knowing the Balance Between Punishing and Rewarding

Leaders are responsible for keeping the team performing at their best. To be able to this, knowing when to give rewards and punishments is a necessary skill. Strong leaders can recognize people who are to recompense. They know how to motivate members by setting rewards, or keep them reminded of their duties through punishments. Khaleesi is a leader who is adept on such elements. In Game of Thrones, she gives rewards to her people who deserve it, and never hesitates to imply punishments if needed.

#4 Gather People Who Are Better Than You

No matter how strong a leader is, he is still a human with imperfections. Leaders, just like everyone, have strong and weak points. However, this must not be taken negatively. Good leaders are aware of their weaknesses, and they amend it by gathering the right people who are strong on their incapacities. Same in battle and business, as a leader, your skills are either top notch, or you’re surrounded with people who will fill in the domain that you lack in skill.

Just like Khaleesi, in the series, she has edges in bravery and fairness, but she is weak in diplomacy, war skills, and politics. Daenerys is full aware of her frailty. Thus, she surrounded herself with people like Tyrion Lannister who knows politics, Jorah Mormont who is skilled in war, and her dragons as her weapons.

#5 Wield Minds Than Build Muscles for Big Battles

Battles are won because of the finest strategies rather than because of the strongest soldiers. It is a fact. When joining the business battles, this too applies. In GoT, Khaleesi maybe is the weakest competitor for the throne when it comes to physical strength. However, this verity does not place her at the end of race. Khaleesi has been able to be victorious in each of her battles because of her sharp mind. As a strong business leader, you too must not compete head to head with your competitors. Instead, you must focus on your strategies, and study your rivals to use their weaknesses against them. Using your head in the business battlefield will lead you to sure success!

Game of Thrones, though, is a fictional series, is still comprised with lessons that we can use in real life. Such as, the story of Khaleesi, as a woman and a strong leader can serve as an inspiration to all aspiring rulers. Whether in business or in other fields you wish to conquer, paying attention eagerly to the messages of tales, may bring you enlightening points for success.

5 Lessons from Game of Thrones That Will Make You a Better Leader was last modified: July 26th, 2017 by Feras Antoon